EXERCISE 59 (Continued) 



4. An improvement project should be planned to follow this exercise in which the student will be 

 encouraged to undertake the better planting of his father's home grounds, the school campus, a portion 

 of the city park or some neglected part of the 

 town. In such a project the practical details 

 pertaining to the care of trees and shrubs after 

 they have been planted, so that they may be 

 carried safely through the critical period caused 

 by a drought in the first or second summer, will 

 be emphasized. Also the proper cultivation of 

 the plants to insure their rapid development will 

 be considered. 



Questions. In what manner does it damage 

 a tree to leave the roots exposed to the air 

 before planting? How is such exposure largely 

 prevented by the nursery men in shipping trees ? 

 What are the advantages of a planting board ? 

 Why is it important to pack fine soil firmly 

 about the roots? Why is it advisable to cut 

 back the top of a tree at planting time? How 

 close together should apple trees be planted? 

 peach trees? pear trees? How many trees of 

 each are planted on an acre? 



Fig. 83. The use of the planting board 



The board was removed while the hole was being dug and was replaced. 



When the tree was placed in the notch it occupied the proper position. 



The dirt should be carefully worked among the roots. (Courtesy of 



Purdue University) 



References. Waters, H. J. Essentials of Agriculture, p. 268. Ginn and Company. Wilkinson, A. E. 

 The Apple, pp. 71-75. Ginn and Company. Waugh, F. A. The American Apple Orchard, pp. 40-41. Orange 

 Judd Company. 



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